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An OEUK medical is a standardised offshore medical examination required for individuals working in the UK oil, gas, and energy sector. It assesses whether you are medically fit to work safely in offshore and remote environments in line with Offshore Energies UK guidelines.

Anyone working offshore in the UK energy sector requires an OEUK medical. This includes engineers, technicians, rig workers, contractors, and support personnel travelling to offshore installations.

The assessment usually includes:

• Medical history questionnaire
• Physical examination
• Blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI
• Vision and hearing tests
• Urinalysis
• Lung function (spirometry) test

Additional tests may be required depending on your role or medical history.

Most appointments take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on individual requirements and any additional assessments.

Only doctors approved and registered with Offshore Energies UK are authorised to perform OEUK medical assessments.

Typically, you need to bring:

• Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
• Details of your GP
• A list of current medications
• Glasses or contact lenses (including your prescription if you have it)

However, we always recommend checking your confirmation email for any specific instructions.

Many medical conditions are acceptable if well controlled. You must declare all conditions, and the examining doctor will assess your fitness for offshore work based on safety and risk.

If you are assessed as unfit, you may:

• Receive a temporary or restricted certificate, or
• Be advised to seek treatment before reassessment

You have the right to appeal via Offshore Energies UK.

Drug and alcohol screening is not always part of the standard OEUK medical, but many employers require it separately.

The Chester Step Test is not routinely included but may be required by certain employers or roles as an additional fitness assessment.

Yes, in many cases. All medications must be declared, and the doctor will assess whether they affect your ability to work safely offshore.

You must meet minimum standards for:

• Distance and near vision
• Colour vision (role-dependent)

Corrective lenses are permitted if standards are met.

Yes, but you should also bring your glasses. Do not wear tinted or colour-altering lenses during the assessment.

Having a mental health condition does not automatically prevent offshore work. Each case is assessed individually to ensure it is stable and well managed in a remote environment.

• Bring all required documents
• Be prepared to discuss your medical history
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the appointment

Yes. Many individuals obtain an OEUK medical in advance to support job applications in the offshore sector.

There is no difference. OGUK (Oil & Gas UK) was renamed Offshore Energies UK in 2022, but the medical standards remain the same.

Common conditions that may require further assessment include:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Diabetes (especially insulin-treated)
• High BMI or obesity
• Heart conditions
• Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma)
• Musculoskeletal problems affecting mobility
• Certain medications (e.g. sedatives, strong pain relief, anticoagulants)

In many cases, conditions can be managed and reassessed successfully.

Yes. Once any identified health issues are addressed or stabilised, you can be reassessed for offshore fitness.

The key changes include a 124kg weight limit, no routine hearing/urine tests, geographical exclusions for Norway/Denmark/Netherlands if you have a delegated medical, rules for weight‑loss injections, and new ERT/rope access assessments. Read the full breakdown in this blog: The New OEUK Medical Guidelines (Issue 8): What Offshore Workers Need to Know

The ERT medical assessment is a rigorous three-part evaluation determining a worker’s physiological capacity for strenuous offshore emergency duties like firefighting and rescue. Candidates must sequentially pass a Medical Suitability Assessment, an Aerobic Capacity Assessment (measuring VO2 max), and a Safety Risk Assessment (fitness grading). It requires strict medical and sensory standards, including mandatory spirometry, to ensure the safe use of breathing apparatus. Furthermore, workers must achieve minimum VO2 max standards and are graded from A to D based on lifestyle and medical risk factors to guide their deployment during emergencies.

The ERT medical assessment is a rigorous three-part evaluation determining a worker’s physiological capacity for strenuous offshore emergency duties like firefighting and rescue.

The duties of an ERT member on an offshore installation may include firefighting, assisting with controlled platform evacuations, and conducting casualty search and rescue operations. These demanding tasks may require individuals to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus for extended periods while engaging in vigorous physical activity.

To be deemed fit for ERT duties, workers must sequentially pass a three-part assessment:
Medical Suitability Assessment (conducted by an OEUK medical examiner).
Aerobic Capacity Assessment (conducted by the medical examiner or a suitably trained person under their supervision).
Safety Risk Assessment (Fitness Grading). 

A worker can only progress to the next assessment after passing the previous one. The final certificate is valid only when all three sections are successfully completed and within their expiry dates.

All three parts of the ERT assessment must generally be performed every two years. A medical examiner may reduce this duration if there is a clear medical reason, and operators have the discretion to require more frequent Aerobic Capacity and Safety Risk Assessments for individuals who achieve poor scores.

Because all ERT members are presumed to have a potential need to wear breathing apparatus (BA), they must undergo spirometry testing.
Measured FEV1 and FVC must be at least 80% of predicted values for the individual’s age, height, and ethnicity.
The measured FEV1/FVC ratio must be at least 70%.
Conditions like exercise-induced or cold-air-induced asthma automatically render a worker unfit for ERT duties. Any other chronic respiratory disease (such as COPD) that could limit exercise capacity must meet the minimum spirometry standards.

Yes, strict sensory standards apply:

• Vision: ERT members must have a minimum binocular visual acuity of 6/9, using corrective lenses compatible with breathing apparatus if necessary. An uncorrected binocular visual acuity of 6/60 is required for the worker to safely escape during an event. Monocular vision and any visual field defects are strictly unacceptable.
• Hearing: Examinees must be able to hear conversational speech without difficulty and without a hearing aid. A formal audiogram is not required if the medical examiner is satisfied that the individual’s hearing level will not impede their ability to hear emergency alarms and follow normal audible instructions.

Several medical conditions are incompatible with ERT duties due to the extreme physical and psychological demands of the role. These include:

• Cardiac pathology: Any form of cardiac pathology or myocardial insufficiency.
• Neurological disorders: A history of epilepsy, vertigo, impaired co-ordination, or recurrent impaired consciousness.
• Psychological disorders: Anxiety about wearing full-face breathing apparatus, confined spaces, or heights. A history of significant or recurrent general anxiety and depressive illnesses will also normally disqualify a candidate.
• Endocrine diseases: Insulin-treated diabetes, unmanaged hypothyroidism, non-resolved hyperthyroidism, and Addison’s disease.
• Medication use: Taking medications that cause side-effects interfering with ERT functions, or medications treating a condition that would deteriorate significantly if a dose is missed.

Aerobic capacity is measured by determining maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) to predict an individual’s resistance to fatigue. The Chester Step Test is an accepted and reproducible method for this in the offshore industry.
The passing standard is 

• ≥35 ml O2/kg/min for biological men
• ≥33 ml O2/kg/min for biological women.

The SRA is not a pass/fail test; rather, it provides a practical grading of a worker’s physical capability and risk of collapse during ERT activities. It evaluates three specific risk factors:

• Physical Activity: Getting less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
• Smoking: Being an active cigarette smoker or using nicotine vapes in the past 12 months.
• Medical Conditions: The presence of one or more of the following conditions counts collectively as a single risk factor: Hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity (BMI ≥ 30), or well-controlled non-insulin treated diabetes.

Grading Scale:

Grade A: No risk factors.

Grade B: One risk factor.

Grade C: Two risk factors.

Grade D: Three risk factors.

Employers and operators use SRA gradings to make informed decisions about selection and deployment. It is logical for operators to select Grade A workers for ERTs where possible, prioritising them over B, C, and D grades. During an actual emergency, Grade A personnel are typically deployed for the most physically demanding activities, such as search and rescue in breathing apparatus. Lower-graded personnel are assigned less demanding tasks, or the team leader must brief the team to work at a slower pace suitable for the lowest-graded member.

 While both are offshore medical standards, they differ significantly in their physiological requirements:

• OEUK Medical (Oil & Gas UK): This is the baseline medical required for anyone working offshore. It focuses on general fitness to live and work in a remote environment. It includes a physical exam, vision/hearing tests, and a urine dipstick. It does not typically require a fitness test unless the BMI is very high.  
• The ERT assessment is much more rigorous, it evaluates a worker’s physiological capacity to endure strenuous firefighting and rescue duties through a specialized three-part process. It adds mandatory spirometry tests and a formal aerobic capacity assessment (VO2 max) to measure fatigue resistance. Furthermore, ERT candidates undergo a Safety Risk Assessment grading (A-D) and must meet stricter medical criteria, such as 6/9 binocular vision and no history of cardiac pathology or epilepsy.

The answer is yes. If you want to do both simultaneously, please book the ERT medical assessment service from our list. By default, every successful ERT medical assessment candidate receives an OEUK certificate, but not vice versa.  

A wind turbine medical is a specialised occupational health assessment designed to confirm that an individual is medically fit to work safely within the wind energy sector. It evaluates a person’s ability to undertake safety-critical tasks such as working at height, climbing ladders, operating in confined spaces, and functioning in remote environments.

You will typically require a wind turbine medical if you work as:

• Wind turbine technician

• Engineer or maintenance personnel

• Offshore worker within the wind sector

• Contractor accessing turbine sites

Employers and project operators mandate these assessments to ensure workforce safety and regulatory compliance.

The assessment usually includes:

• Medical questionnaire and occupational history

• Physical examination

• Blood pressure measurement

• Vision and hearing assessment

• Urinalysis

• Chester Step Test (to assess cardiovascular fitness)

Additional tests may be required depending on job role and risk profile.

Most wind turbine medicals are valid for two years, although this may vary depending on:

• Employer requirements

• Individual health conditions

• Specific project standards

These terms are often used interchangeably but have evolved over time:

• GWO refers to global training and safety expectations within the wind industry

• RUK provided the original UK guidance for wind turbine medical fitness

• Energy Institute (EI) now provides the current unified UK standard

In practice, most modern wind turbine medicals follow the Energy Institute framework, even if still referred to as GWO or RUK medicals.

Not always.

• For offshore wind roles, an OEUK medical (with a satisfactory Chester Step Test) may be accepted

• For onshore or nearshore wind roles, a wind-specific medical (EI standard) is usually required

Many employers now request both, particularly for workers moving between offshore and wind-specific environments.

If you do not meet the required standard:

• You may be deemed temporarily or permanently unfit for specific tasks

• Further investigations or specialist reports may be requested

• Adjustments or restrictions may be recommended where appropriate

Our clinicians will provide clear guidance and next steps.

In most cases, no. Offshore access—particularly involving helicopter travel—typically requires a valid OEUK medical certificate.

To ensure a smooth assessment:

• Bring valid photo identification

• Provide details of any medical conditions or medications

• Avoid heavy exercise prior to the step test

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity

These assessments are essential to:

• Protect individual and team safety

• Reduce risk of incidents in high-hazard environments

• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards

• Support workforce wellbeing and operational continuity

Roles in construction, rail, offshore, and other high-risk environments.

This depends on employer or industry requirements.

The Fit to Train (FTT) assessment is a specific medical evaluation for offshore workers. It determines if you are medically fit to undertake in-water exercises using a Compressed Air Emergency Breathing System (CA-EBS), also known as the PSTASS (Passenger Short-Term Air Supply System).

This assessment is a mandatory requirement for OPITO-approved survival courses, including:

• BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training)
• FOET (Further Offshore Emergency Training)
• HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training)

The primary goal is to mitigate the risk of barotrauma (pressure-related lung or ear injury). Even in shallow training pools, breathing compressed air carries risks like a pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or arterial gas embolism if a trainee holds their breath. The FTT ensures you are safe to train.

For efficiency, the FTT is usually performed alongside your standard OEUK offshore medical. An OEUK-registered doctor will review your medical history, focusing on respiratory health and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) stability.

• Self-Declaration: You will complete a questionnaire regarding asthma, COPD, previous lung collapses, or ear/sinus issues.
• Physical Exam: If you have a clear history, the doctor will explain the risks and certify you. If you declare a condition, the medic will perform a physical examination of your chest/ears and may require spirometry (lung function testing).

Several medical conditions can increase the risk of barotrauma (pressure damage) or other complications while breathing compressed air underwater. Under OEUK medical standards, you may be found temporarily or indefinitely “unfit to train” (FTT) if you have any of the following:

• Asthma and Lung Health:
  While many offshore workers with asthma are fit to train, you will be deemed unfit if your condition is triggered by exercise or cold air. Additionally, if you have had a severe asthma exacerbation in the last three months, or if your spirometry (lung function test) shows an FEV1 below the lower limit of normal, you will be restricted from in-water CA-EBS exercises.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
  For safety reasons, workers with COPD must meet specific lung capacity thresholds. You will be found unfit if your FEV1 is less than 60% of your predicted value or if your Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is less than 75% of your predicted value.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung):
  A history of a spontaneous pneumothorax is a major medical contraindication for in-water survival training. Unless you have undergone a specific surgical procedure called a bilateral pleurectomy, you will typically be found unfit for the water-based elements of the BOSIET or FOET.
• Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Cysts:
  Conditions such as pulmonary cystic fibrosis or known lung bullae/cysts create a high risk of air trapping. Because this can lead to serious injury during ascent, these conditions generally result in an “unfit to train” assessment.
• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Issues:
  Any condition that prevents you from equalising pressure can be an issue. You will be found unfit if you have an incompetent larynx or a tracheostomy. Acute conditions, such as a perforated eardrum, will make you temporarily unfit until fully healed. Chronic issues like vertigo or Meniere’s disease will also result in an unfit status if you have been advised to avoid diving or water immersion.

No. Being found “Unfit to Train” for CA-EBS does not mean you fail your survival course or lose your Vantage card eligibility.

If you are medically excluded from in-water exercises, you will complete “dry” EBS training instead. You will still receive your BOSIET/FOET certificate, but it will be endorsed to show the CA-EBS element was completed on dry land. Most North Sea operators accept this, and it rarely impacts your ability to work offshore.

While your OEUK offshore medical certificate is usually valid for two years, your survival training (FOET) is refreshed every four years.

You only need a formal FTT assessment if you are due to undertake a survival course (BOSIET/FOET/HUET) before your next medical. However, most workers choose to renew their FTT at every medical to ensure their fitness to work offshore is fully up to date.

Even if you hold a valid Fit to Train certificate, you must inform the training provider (e.g., Petrofac, Survivex, AIS) if you feel unwell on the day.

Do not undertake in-water CA-EBS exercises if you have:

• A heavy cold, flu, or chest infection.
• Sinus congestion or ear blockage.
• An asthma flare-up (if your peak flow is < 80% of your normal).

Most councils follow DVLA Group 2 standards.

Frequency depends on your local authority.

At licence application and at regular intervals thereafter.

Yes, all required forms are completed during your appointment.

It is a physical examination to confirm you meet the “fit to race” standards. The doctor will complete the Medical Lifestyle and Physical Examination section of your license application (usually the H001 form). It ensures that you don’t have medical conditions that could cause sudden disability while driving at high speeds.

Yes. If you are applying for your first Race, Truck, or Long Circuit Kart license, a doctor must examine you regardless of your age.

Note: If you are applying for an RS Clubman or Interclub Rally license, you usually only need to sign a self-declaration unless you have a specific underlying health condition.

You can, but many GPs now refuse to do “private medicals” due to workload. Alternative: Many drivers use private providers who specialize in driver medicals. As long as the doctor is GMC-registered, their signature is valid.

You must be able to read a standard Snellen chart.

Vision: Usually 6/6 in one eye and 6/12 in the other (with or without glasses).

Color Blindness: You must be able to distinguish between red, green, and amber. If you fail the “Ishihara” plate test, you may need a further specialist test to prove you can see track flags/lights.

This is the most common point of confusion. In the UK:

National Licenses: You need a Resting ECG starting at age 60, then every few years, and annually from age 74.

International Licenses: Under 45: Resting ECG every 2 years. Over 45: A Stress ECG (treadmill test) every 2 years.

A medical examination is valid for 12 months from the date it was performed. However, the license itself usually expires at the end of the calendar year (December 31st). If you get your medical in November, it will cover your application for the following year.

Asthma: Usually not an issue if well-controlled.

Diabetes: If treated with insulin, you will need a specialised annual report from your consultant.

Epilepsy: There are very strict rules. Usually, you must be seizure-free for a significant number of years (often 5-10 depending on the license) without medication.

The Form: Download and print the latest version from the Motorsport UK or ACU website.

Glasses/Contacts: And your latest optical prescription.

Medication: A list of everything you are currently taking.

ID: Passport or driving license.

The Chester Step Test is a structured, incremental exercise assessment used to estimate an individual’s aerobic fitness (cardiovascular capacity). It involves stepping up and down on a platform at a controlled pace, with the intensity increasing at regular intervals while monitoring heart rate and perceived exertion.

The test provides an objective and evidence-based method of assessing whether an individual has the physical capacity to safely perform safety-critical duties. It supports clinical decision-making by evaluating cardiovascular fitness in a controlled and practical environment.

No. The test is not routinely required for all occupational health medicals. It is typically used selectively where there is a need to objectively assess exercise tolerance or aerobic capacity, particularly in safety-critical roles.

You may be asked to undertake the Chester Step Test if:

• Your role involves physically demanding or safety-critical tasks, such as in wind turbine medicals or for emergency response team members working in offshore settings.
• There are clinical concerns regarding your exercise tolerance (e.g., a seafarer with a BMI of more than 30).
• Additional functional assessment is required to support a fitness-for-work decision, such as in wind turbine medicals or for emergency response team members working in offshore settings.
•  You are undergoing a higher-risk or specialist medical (e.g., emergency response roles).  

You will be asked to step on and off a platform in time with an audio signal. The pace increases every two minutes. Your heart rate will be monitored throughout, and the test may be stopped once a target heart rate is reached or if you experience any symptoms.

Yes. The Chester Step Test is a submaximal assessment, meaning it does not require you to exercise to exhaustion. It is widely used in occupational health due to its safety profile, provided it is conducted by trained professionals following appropriate screening.

If you are unable to complete the test, the assessing clinician will interpret the findings in the context of your role and overall health. This does not automatically mean you are unfit for work; however, it may lead to:

• Further assessment
• Temporary restrictions
• Referral for additional evaluation

In ENG1 medicals, the Chester Step Test may be used where there is a need to assess functional capacity, particularly if there are concerns about cardiovascular fitness. This helps ensure that seafarers can safely perform duties and respond effectively in emergency situations onboard. The acceptable threshold is scoring “Average” or more. 

Wind turbine technicians are required to climb significant heights and operate in physically demanding environments. The test helps assess whether individuals have sufficient cardiovascular fitness to safely carry out these duties and manage emergency scenarios, including evacuation or rescue. To meet the physical capacity requirements for wind turbine work, the acceptable threshold determined by a step test is an estimated minimum VO2max of 35 ml/kg/min

For ERT roles, a higher level of physical fitness is essential. These roles may involve firefighting, rescue operations, and working in heavy personal protective equipment. The Chester Step Test is often used as part of the assessment process to ensure individuals have the aerobic capacity required to perform under pressure. To successfully pass this assessment, candidates must meet strict physiological thresholds based on their biological sex:

• Biological men must achieve a VO2 max of ≥35 ml O2/kg/min.
• Biological women must achieve a VO2 max of ≥33 ml O2/kg/min

The primary rationale includes:

• Ensuring individuals are physically capable of performing safety-critical tasks
• Reducing the risk of medical events during exertion
• Supporting safe working environments for individuals and teams
• Providing objective, reproducible data for clinical decision-making

If you are taking any regular medications, please contact the clinic before booking your test. Certain medications, particularly Beta-blockers (e.g., Bisoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol), prevent the heart rate from rising naturally during exercise. This makes the results of the Chester Step Test clinically invalid and potentially unsafe to interpret.

If you have a known medical condition, especially a cardiac condition (e.g., history of arrhythmia, angina, or heart attack) or a respiratory condition (e.g., COPD or severe asthma), you must speak with our clinical team first. Your safety is our priority, and we may require a letter from your GP or specialist confirming you are fit for functional testing.

You may be advised to:

• Wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear
• Avoid heavy meals immediately before the test
• Inform the clinician of any symptoms or medical conditions

If you have any concerns or would like to know whether the Chester Step Test applies to your medical, please contact your occupational health provider for further guidance.

Yes, each country has specific medical requirements.

Some visa applications require this.

Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on individual requirements.

Photo ID, glasses or contact lenses, and any relevant medical records.

Yes, requirements may vary depending on employer.

Typically a full medical, and sometimes blood tests and screening.

Usually up to 2 years, depending on age and medical fitness.

Instant results for screening, with lab confirmation if needed.

Yes, all results are handled with strict confidentiality.

Tests can detect issues such as anaemia, liver function problems, and more.

This depends on the specific tests required.

A trained measurer uses approved equipment to measure the widest part of your shoulders. The appointment is brief and usually takes about 5–10 minutes.

It is used to make sure offshore helicopter passengers are seated in a position that is compatible with their shoulder width and allows safe access to emergency exits.

People with a shoulder width of 55.9 cm (22 inches) or less are usually classed as Regular, while those above this are classed as XBR (Extra Broad).

It is commonly required for people travelling to offshore installations by helicopter, especially in the UK sector.